Bismarck Commission Approves Burleigh County Tax Reimbursement
The city will receive $269,942 after a property tax calculation error in Burleigh County.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in City Hall
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The Bismarck City Commission has authorized the acceptance of a $269,942 reimbursement from Burleigh County to correct a previous tax calculation error. This payment aims to restore municipal funding levels affected by incorrect valuation data used during the 2025 assessment process.
Why it matters
The reimbursement resolves a funding gap caused by the incorrect inclusion of mobile homes and in-lieu-of-tax properties in the county's valuation base. By reclaiming these funds, the city ensures that its municipal departments receive the revenue originally anticipated for the 2026 tax year.
The $269,942 reimbursement includes $231,470 for the general fund, $21,787 for the library, $10,893 for transit, and $5,791 for the specials deficiency fund. The funds are drawn from Burleigh County reserve accounts following a total shortfall of $900,000.
The players
Bismarck City Commission
This local governing body manages municipal ordinances, budgets, and public infrastructure projects for the city of Bismarck.
Burleigh County Commission
This board oversees county-wide operations, property tax assessments, and fiscal planning for the region.
The details
City officials determined that the incoming funds should be distributed across municipal accounts to mirror proper collection outcomes. Burleigh County originally calculated 2025 mill levies using incorrect valuation data, necessitating this retroactive adjustment for local taxing bodies.
Timeline
In 2025, Burleigh County calculated the mill levies used for 2026 property taxes.
On October 19, 2026, the Burleigh County Commission voted to approve the reimbursement.
On November 2, 2026, county commissioners are scheduled to approve the final payments.
Political Context
This reimbursement action aligns with North Dakota property tax valuation standards for fiscal correction. Local officials are currently navigating the procedural requirements to restore municipal revenue following the county's identified data error.
The approved reimbursement ensures that city services, including the library and public transportation, remain fully funded despite the county's accounting error. Residents will not face additional tax levies to cover the budget shortfall.
The takeaway
The city's quick action to accept the reimbursement prevents service disruptions that could have stemmed from the county's calculation error. Transparency in how these recovered funds are reallocated helps maintain public trust in local fiscal management.
What happens next
Burleigh County commissioners are scheduled to finalize the individual reimbursement payments on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For updates on local government actions, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kfyrtv.
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